Cody Bellinger, the Yankees' star slugger, has opted out of his $25M contract, becoming the first big name in this year's free agency. His departure leaves the Yankees with $20M in payroll flexibility and opens the door for other teams, like the Dodgers and Cubs, to pursue him. Bellinger's impressive comeback season, featuring a .272 batting average, 29 home runs, and 98 RBIs, has made him a highly sought-after player. The Yankees must now decide whether to re-sign him or explore other options, as his new deal could exceed $130M.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.